Body Mounted Sun Shielding Device

ABSTRACT

A sun shielding device to be worn on the back of a user is provided. The sun shielding device includes an elongated panel that is constructed so as to block ultraviolet rays. A front surface of the elongated panel includes an upper pair of straps affixed thereon, wherein the upper pair of straps can be positioned over the user&#39;s shoulders to support the elongated panel in a vertical orientation along the user&#39;s back. The upper pair of straps includes fasteners thereon for securement to the user&#39;s belt or similar article. A lower pair of straps is affixed on the front surface of the elongated panel and includes fasteners thereon for securement to a rear portion of a user&#39;s belt. The front surface further includes one or more cushions thereon for providing comfort to the user and for providing space between the user&#39;s back and the elongated panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/900,631 filed on Nov. 6, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sun shielding devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a sun shielding device comprising an elongated panel to be worn on the back of a user having straps with fasteners thereon for securing the elongated panel on the upper body of the user.

Many people work outdoors and are subject to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can negatively impact a person's health and may cause the person to suffer sunburn or various other skin problems. Prolonged exposure to the sun's rays can also increase a person's risk of contracting skin cancer. However, for those who work outdoors, such as roofers, construction workers, and painters, among others, it is difficult or impossible to avoid sun exposure during the day.

Many people use sunscreen in order to protect themselves from the sun's rays. However, sunscreen is only effective for a certain period of time before it must be reapplied, which can be time consuming and inconvenient for the user. Further, sunscreen can rub off from contact with clothing and as the person perspires. Thus, sunscreen may not protect a person throughout the entire day unless it is periodically applied thoroughly.

Accordingly, a sun shielding device to be worn on the back of a user is provided. The sun shielding device comprises an elongated panel adapted to shield the user's head, back, and arms. The elongated panel is preferably composed of an ultraviolet radiation shielding material so as to protect a user from the sun's rays. A front surface of the panel includes an upper pair of straps to be worn over a user's shoulders similarly to a backpack, wherein the upper straps include fasteners, such as clips, thereon for securement to the user's belt, the waistline of a pair of pants, or other similar garment. The device further includes a lower pair of straps having fasteners thereon for securement to the rear of a user's belt. In this way, the elongated panel is secured in a vertical orientation on the back of a user such that the elongated panel extends from an area near the user's waist, along the user's back, and above the user's head. The elongated panel further includes one or more cushions thereon for providing comfort to the user and for creating space between the user's back and the elongated panel. Thus, the present invention provides a sun shielding device that protects a user from the sun's rays, while allowing the user to use his or her hands for work or other purposes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to sunshades and sun shielding devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to sun shields mounted on backpacks that are adapted to protect the user from sun and rain. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,539 to Richardson discloses an adjustable shield for use with a backpack. The shield includes a forward extending canopy that shields the user from sun and rain. A vertical support is provided that holds the canopy in an elevated position above the user's head. The vertical support can be attached to a backpack, waist belt, or chest harness. Thus, Richardson fails to disclose an elongated panel disposed in a vertical orientation along the back of a user to shield the user from ultraviolet rays.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,053 to Figura discloses a collapsible awning adapted for use with a backpack. The device includes a frame removably secured to a backpack frame by clamps. The clamps are pivotally mounted to the frame and detachably secure the awning frame to the backpack frame. The awning is secured in a horizontal position above the head of the user. A canopy member of flexible material extends between opposite sides of the frame and is maintained in a concave configuration. Thus, Figura fails to disclose a sun shielding device comprising an elongated panel adapted to shield the user from ultraviolet rays, and instead discloses a canopy comprising a frame and an awning.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,112,957 to Biven discloses a sun shield having a canopy assembly to be secured to a backpack frame supported on a user's back, waist, and shoulders. The sun shield includes a canopy support frame having opaque canopy means disposed thereon for preventing transmission of light therethrough. Foldable flap members are attached to the canopy means along the edges thereof. The canopy means is positioned horizontally and is above the user's head. Thus, Biven fails to provide a sun shield that can be supported in a vertical position along a user's back that is adapted to shield ultraviolet rays. Further, the device of Biven cannot be worn directly on a user and must be secured to a backpack frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,529 to O'Brien discloses a sunshade for use with a backpack and that is used for supporting a baby. The device includes a baby backpack and a sheet-like sunshade. Thus, O'Brien provides a baby supporting device having a sunshade, and fails to disclose an elongated panel to be worn on the back of a user to shield the user from ultraviolet rays.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,264 to Java discloses a collapsible hood apparatus attachable to the top portion of a backpack frame. One or more solar panels are mounted on the hood and power fans which cool the user. A waterproof cloth material covers frame members, and mosquito netting is attached to the lower frame of the hood. Thus, Java discloses a device for cooling a user, and fails to disclose a sun-shielding device comprising an elongated panel having straps thereon to be secured around the upper body of a user.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,965 to Morman discloses a body mounted umbrella. The device includes a belt having a vertical post pivotally secured thereon. A shaft carrying the shade is disposed on top of the post and can be folded for storage. A pin can be used to maintain the shaft in an extended configuration to position the umbrella over the head of the user. A pair of springs stabilizes the post in an upright position. Thus, Morman fails to disclose a sun shielding device comprising an elongated panel to be worn on the back of a user, and that includes straps for securing the device on the upper body of the user.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. Devices in the prior art provide sunshades and sun shields removably securable to backpacks. Thus, the devices cannot be worn directly on the user and must instead be secured to a backpack or similar apparatus. Further, the devices include opaque cloth adapted to block all sunlight, which may be inconvenient for the user. The present invention provides a sun shielding device that allows light to pass therethrough, while shielding the user from ultraviolet radiation. Further, devices in the prior art are positioned horizontally as a canopy above the user's head, and thus may be unwieldy. In contrast, the present invention provides an elongated panel that is positioned vertically along the back of the user.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing sun shielding devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sun shielding devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new sun shielding device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when shielding himself or herself from ultraviolet radiation while working or otherwise spending time outdoors.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sun shielding device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sun shielding device comprising an elongated panel to be worn on the back of a user for shielding the user's body from the sun's rays.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sun shielding device having straps thereon such that the device can be worn on the user's back similar to a backpack.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sun shielding device that can be worn on the user's back in a hands-free manner so that a user can use his or her hands for other purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sun shielding device having cushions thereon for providing comfort to the user while wearing the sun shielding device.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a sun shielding device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the sun shielding device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the sun shielding device of the present invention as worn by a user.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the sun shielding device of the present invention as worn by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the sun shielding device of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for protecting a user from the sun's rays in a hands-free manner. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the sun shielding device of the present invention. The present invention provides a sun shielding device 11 to be worn on the back of a user. The sun shielding device 11 comprises an elongated panel 12 composed of a material adapted to block the sun's rays, and is preferably a material that shields the user's body from ultraviolet rays. The elongated panel 12 is lightweight and flexible so that it can be easily worn on the back of a user. The elongated panel 12 may be adapted to allow light to pass therethrough and may have a transparent or mesh construction.

The sun shielding device 11 is substantially planar and includes a lower end 13 and an upper end 14. The elongated panel 12 is shown as having an elliptical shape, but may also be provided in a rectangular shape. Preferably, the lower portion of the elongated panel 12 is narrower than the upper portion of the elongated panel 12. The lower portion is sufficiently narrow so as to be sized similarly to the width of the user so that the user can extend his or her arms behind himself or herself without having his or her movement impeded by the elongated panel 12. The upper portion is relatively wide so as to provide greater protection to the area around the user's head.

The upper end 14 of the elongated panel 12 includes a curved lip 15 thereon. The lip 15 extends partially over the head of the user when the device is worn by a user so as to better shield the user's head and body from ultraviolet rays. Thus, the lip 15 helps to shield the user from the sun when the sun is overhead.

A front surface 22 of the elongated panel 12 includes an upper pair of straps 16 and a lower pair of straps 17 permanently affixed thereon. The upper pair of straps 16 includes a first strap and a second strap that cross one another forming an X-shaped portion 25. The X-shaped portion 25 is adapted to be disposed on the user's chest when the device is worn by a user. The upper pair of straps 16 includes fasteners 19 on an end thereof, such as clips that can be secured to a user's belt, utility belt, the waistline of a pair of pants, or other similar article or garment. The lower pair of straps 17 includes a first strap and a second strap that are substantially parallel to one another and that extend from a lower portion of the front surface 19 of the elongated panel 12. The low pair of straps 17 includes fasteners 20 thereon, wherein the fasteners 20 are preferably clips, adapted to be secured to a rear portion of a user's belt, utility belt, waistline of a pair of pants, or similar article or garment. In this way, the user can easily secure the elongated panel 12 in a vertical position on the user's back by engaging the fasteners 19, 20 on the upper and lower pairs of straps 16, 17 with the user's belt or similar article.

The upper and lower straps 16, 17 are positioned so that the lower end 13 of the elongated panel 12 is adjacent to the user's waist, and upper end 14 is disposed above the user's head when the sun shielding device 11 is worn by a user. Thus, the elongated panel 12 extends along the user's back and head, and extends above the user to protect the user from the ultraviolet rays when the sun is high in the sky. Further, this positioning allows the user to be seated without having to remove the sun shielding device from the user's back. The upper pair of straps 16 and the lower pair of straps 17 may be adjustable so as to secure the sun shielding device 11 to users of various sizes and to adjust the positioning of the elongated panel 12 on the user's back.

The front surface 22 of the elongated panel 12 further includes one or more cushions 18 thereon. The cushions 18 extend transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated panel 12. The cushions 18 may have a substantially cylindrical construction. The cushions 18 are adapted to be positioned against a user's back when the user is wearing the sun shielding device 11. The cushions 18 provide comfort to the user so that the elongated panel 12 is not positioned directly against the user's back. Further, the cushions 18 serve to create a space between the elongated panel 12 and the user's back, helping to prevent the user from contacting the elongated panel 12. Disposing the elongated panel 12 directly against the user's back may interfere with the user's range of motion and may be uncomfortable for the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there are shown front and rear perspective views of an embodiment of the sun shielding device of the present invention as worn by a user, respectively. In operation, a user can easily wear the sun shielding device 11 by placing his or her head between the pair of upper straps 16 such that the elongated panel 12 is roughly parallel to the user's back and such that the X-shaped portion 25 is disposed on the user's chest. The user can then secure the fasteners 19 on the upper straps 16 to the user's belt or waistline, and can also secure the fasteners 20 on the lower straps 17 to the rear of the user's belt or waistline. The upper straps 16 and lower straps 17 are adjustable so that the sun shielding device 11 can be securely positioned on users of various height and weight. The sun shielding device 11 is preferably positioned such that the elongated panel 12 is in a substantially vertical orientation and extends from the user's waist along the user's back and above his or her head. The cushions 18 on the elongated panel 12 are in contact with the user's back to provide comfort to the user, and to separate the elongated panel 12 from the user's back so that the user is not in contact with the elongated panel 12, which may be uncomfortable and restrictive.

The upper end 14 of the elongated panel 12 extends above the user's head and includes a curved lip 15 thereon that extends at an angle over the user's head. The lower end of the elongated panel 12 is disposed adjacent to the user's waist so that the user can sit while wearing the sun shielding device. The user's mobility is not hindered or impeded by the sun shielding device and the user can still sit, stand, and kneel, and has full range of motion with his or her arms.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A sun shielding device, comprising: an elongated panel having an upper end, a lower end, and a front surface; an upper pair of straps disposed on said front surface having at least one fastener thereon; a lower pair of straps disposed on said front surface having at least one fastener thereon; wherein said at least one fastener on said upper pair of straps is adapted to be secured to a belt or similar article of a user, and wherein said at least one fastener on said lower pair of straps is adapted to be secured to a belt or similar article of a user, such that said elongated panel can be secured on the back of a user in a substantially vertical orientation.
 2. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein said elongated panel comprises an elliptical shape.
 3. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein said upper end of said elongated panel comprises a curved lip.
 4. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein said upper pair of straps includes a first strap and a second strap, wherein said first strap crosses said second strap so as to form an X-shaped portion that is adapted to be positioned on a user's chest.
 5. The sun shielding device of claim 1, further comprising one or more cushions disposed on said front surface of said elongated panel.
 6. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein said elongated panel comprises an ultraviolet radiation shielding material.
 7. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein each of said upper pair of straps and said lower pair of straps is adjustable such that said lower end of said elongated panel is disposed adjacent a user's waist and said upper end extends above a user's head when said elongated panel is secured on a user's back.
 8. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein said upper end of said elongated panel is wider than said lower end of said elongated panel.
 9. The sun shielding device of claim 1, wherein said at least one fastener on said upper pair of straps and said at least one fastener on said lower pair of straps comprises a clip. 